It’s happened more times than I can count. A beautiful, clear day on the trail, and then the sky darkens, the wind picks up, and a steady drumroll begins on the leaves overhead. And, maybe, I get camp setup just in time to watch the first heavy drops turn into a full-blown downpour. It’s in those moments that I used to feel a sense of dread, that the trip I had planned and looked forward to was now ruined.
But over the years, we learn that a rainy day at camp isn't a sign of bad luck; it’s a test of our preparedness and a lesson in patience. Nature happens. It's a reminder that we can’t control the weather, but we can control our response to it. For us seasoned adventurers, a little rain isn’t a reason to go home. It’s an invitation to slow down, to appreciate the quiet beauty of a forest being washed clean, and to discover the simple pleasures of being dry and warm inside your tent. A rainy day can be a gift, if you let it.
Here are some of the ways to not just survive a rainy day at camp, but to actually enjoy it.
1. The Right Gear (and Attitude)
This is a lesson learned the hard way. Being cold and wet is truly miserable – and possibly dangerous. Being wet, but able to get dry and stay warm, is a minor inconvenience.
- A Good Tent is Everything: Your tent is your sanctuary. Test to ensure it’s waterproof and that you know how to pitch it correctly. A good tent is your first and best line of defense.
- Pack the Right Clothes: Avoid cotton. It absorbs water and takes forever to dry. Pack synthetic or wool layers that wick moisture away from your skin and dry faster. Bring a dedicated set of "dry clothes" that you only wear inside your tent.
- Embrace the Rainfly: If you use a double-wall tent, a common mistake is to skip the rainfly in good weather. My advice? Always put it on or at least have it ready to quickly put it on, even on a sunny day. A sudden afternoon storm can be an unwanted surprise that soaks everything in your tent. It's far easier to have your rainfly on than to try and wrestle it on in a downpour.
2. Smart Campsite Selection
Where you pitch your tent can make all the difference.
- Look for High Ground: Avoid setting up your tent in a low-lying area, a gully, or a dry creek bed. These areas are natural catchments for water and will flood quickly. Look for a flat, elevated spot. If that’s not possible, choose the best of all options.
- Mind the Trees: A tree can be your friend, providing a bit of shelter from the initial rain, but it can also be your enemy. Don't pitch your tent directly under a large, dead tree limb that could fall in a storm. Also, an evergreen tree can keep some of the rain off of you, but it will continue to drip on your tent long after the rain has stopped. Again, be mindful and choose the best of all available options.
3. Entertainment in the Rain
A rainy day is a perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy the simple things.
- Read or Listen: A book you’ve been meaning to read or an audiobook you've been putting off is the perfect way to pass the time. The sound of rain on the tent is a perfect backdrop for a good story.
- Plan Your Next Adventure: Pull out your map or guidebook and start planning your next hike. A rainy day at camp is the perfect time for dreaming and plotting new routes. If you’re on an extended hike, review or plan your next day.
- Mindful Moments: Take a moment to simply sit and listen to the sounds of the rain. Observe the way the forest looks, and breathe in that fresh, earthy scent. The quiet tranquility of a rainy day can be a truly meditative experience. I’ve had many beautiful naps during afternoon rains.
4. Food and Warmth
A warm meal can be a huge morale booster on a rainy day.
- Cooking Under the Fly: If you have a tent with a vestibule, you may be able to safely cook under the cover of your rainfly. A warm meal and a hot drink can change your entire mood. But, wait on this as long as you can. Cooking or eating in the tent isn’t the best animal safety practice. But on days when the rain doesn’t let up for hours we need to make tough choices. Just be super careful about leaving any food scraps or spilling drinks in your tent.
- Stay Dry: This cannot be overstated. Once you're wet, it's very difficult to get warm. Change into your dry clothes as soon as you get back to your tent, and put any wet clothes in a separate stuff sack so they don’t get your other gear wet.
- Your Body Can Dry Your Cloths: This might sound counter to anything you might have previously believed, but hear me out. If your cloths are not soaked (just damp) and the temperature is not freezing or making you cold. Sleeping in your cloths may be the best way to dry them, because the heat from our body does the work. Be cautious with this one, because it requires favorable circumstances (not soaked and warm temps).
A rainy day in the woods is a test of character, not a test of strength. By having the right gear, the right mindset, and a little bit of foresight, we can learn to embrace the rain, and find a deeper sense of appreciation for the wild places that we love.